Sensor offers a Promising Means to Determine the Moisture Content of Grain During Storage or Transportation in Cargo Holds

A low-cost moisture sensor was designed for measruing moisture content and temperature of agricultural commodities. The capacitive sensor was mounted on the end of hand-held probes and in 1.5 liter canisters and tested in wheat and corn over a range of moisture contents from approximately 1 percent to 20 percent. The sensor response was a consistent and sensitive function of the moisture content of grain for these applications.

The sensor offers a promising means to determine the moisture content of grain during storage or transportation in cargo holds. The sensor is water-tight and constructed with corrosion-resistant materials that allow moisture content and temperature measurements to also be made of industrial materials, chemicals, and fuels. The sensor may also be supported on cables in grain storage bins to acquire continuous, in situ data for stored grain management and the control of aeration and low-temperature drying systems.